“When I had my surgery I could truly understand what Juan Martin was going through,” Djokovic said after the win.
“It was a difficult time but you learn from adversity and learn when are down, when things are not working out and I tried to take the best out of myself and thrive on these moments.

“I was hoping he [Pete Sampras] would be here tonight but he’s not. I want to say Pete I love you. He’s my idol.”

He added: “I would like to congratulate Juan Martin. What he has done in the last four or five years with his wrist injuries, coming back and to have faith and belief that one day he will be a top player again.

“I wish him all the best. I know he will be back here with the Champions trophy.”